Fernie to get outdoor arena thanks to Flames Foundation, NHL
By Nelson Daily Staff
The Calgary Flames Foundation and NHL is coming to the aid for the City of Fernie.
In October, a deadly ammonia leak, that killed three workers, closed the Fernie Memorial Arena.
Now the National Hockey League team is working with crews to construct on an outdoor ice rink for the City of Fernie. Construction is expected to started immediately with a crew from the Calgary Flames and NHL heading to the East Kootenay City to help out.
“Exciting News, ” the Facebook post on the City of Fernie page said.
“The City of Fernie in partnership with the Calgary Flames Foundation, National Hockey League (NHL), Canadian Arena Products and the Fernie Lions Club are pleased to announce an outdoor rink will be open for the 2017-18 winter season.
The post said the NHL-size natural ice rink (200 by 85 feet) will be built on City lands adjacent to the Fernie Aquatic Centre.
Construction on the rink is set to begin immediately with the goal of having the ice available to the public this holiday season.
“We are so grateful that the Calgary Flames Foundation approached us with this offer to bring skating back to our community,” says City of Fernie Mayor Mary Giuliano.
“We are thrilled that thanks to this donation, and the efforts of the Lion’s Club and other community volunteers, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy this outdoor rink over the holidays.”
“Every year the Calgary Flames Foundation restores and refurbishes outdoor ice surfaces in our community. We are looking forward to working with the City of Fernie, the Lion’s Club, Canadian Arena Products and many volunteers and staff on this project,” said executive director of the Calgary Flames Foundation, Candice Goudie.
“We believe in the power of sport and the benefit of providing communities opportunities to play and are happy to be a part of mobilizing this in Fernie.”
The City of Fernie’s volunteer committee, the Leisure Services Advisory Board, will work with City Staff to coordinatevolunteers for the maintenance of the ice surface over the winter. They will also work with user groups to coordinate opportunities for programming to take place at the rink. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact LSAB@gmail.com.
Site preparation for the outdoor rink is now underway, and the build is expected to take place in mid-December with a goal of opening before the holiday break.
Since its inception the Calgary Flames Foundation, with the support of partners and donors, has raised millions for education, health and wellness, and amateur and grassroots sports. Over $4 million is raised each year in these three areas.
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